Striking conciliatory note, Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif seeks coalition government, Khan’s PTI rejects offer

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (C) and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) party, along with his younger brother and former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) and his daughter Maryam Nawaz (L) speaks with supporters in Lahore on February 9, 2024, a day after Pakistan's national elections. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 10 February 2024
Follow

Striking conciliatory note, Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif seeks coalition government, Khan’s PTI rejects offer

  • Independent candidates, most of whom are affiliated with ex-PM Imran Khan, are leading in Thursday’s elections
  • In speech in Lahore, Sharif admitted PML-N party did not have the seats to rule alone, would approach other parties

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Imran Khan said on Friday it had “absolutely no interest” in an offer by prime ministerial hopeful Nawaz Sharif to form a coalition government after his party did not win enough seats to rule alone following general elections on Thursday.

Speaking to a charged crowd of a few thousand supporters from the balcony of his party office in the eastern city of Lahore, his political heartland, Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, struck a conciliatory note. Admitting that his party alone did not have the seats needed, he called on all parties, including independents, most of whom are backed by his archrival Khan, to come together and rule through a coalition set-up.

Thursday’s vote and Sharif’s announcement on Friday were the culmination of an especially contentious election season in which allegations of military meddling took center-stage, casting a shadow over a historic event that marked only the country’s third-ever democratic transition of power. The army, which has ruled for over three decades of Pakistan’s history since independence in 1947, strongly denies interfering in political affairs.

Ahead of the vote, Sharif was seen as a frontrunner in the election due to what was widely believed to be the backing of the army that had smoothed the way for his return to Pakistan after four years in self-imposed exile to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in national polls. Both deny this. 

But as the results of the vote trickled in late into the evening on Friday, it was clear that the PML-N had only bagged 69 out of 241 seats counted so far from 265 total seats in the National Assembly, while independent candidates affiliated with Khan’s PTI had 96 wins. Behind them both was the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) with 52 seats, led by the rising star of national politics, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the son of assassinated former PM Benazir Bhutto. 




Pakistan's former President Asif Ali Zardari (3R) of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) casts his ballot to vote during the country's national elections at a polling station in NawabShah of Sindh province on February 8, 2024. (AFP)

“We don’t have that much majority to make government alone, so we ask the allied parties who have been successful in this election, we invite them that they participate with us and we make the government together,” Sharif said in his first address after the elections.

Appearing cordial, he said the PML-N respected the mandate of all parties.

“Whoever has got the mandate, we respect it with all our hearts, whether they are a party or an individual person, an independent candidate, and we invite them, that in order to take this wounded Pakistan out of difficulties, come and sit with us … It is important that all other parties sit down and together form one government.”

 

 

But a spokesperson for the PTI, Raoof Hassan, told Arab News, the party was “absolutely not interested” in Sharif’s offer of a coalition set-up:

“We are not going to form any alliance or coalition with them. They are not trustworthy people.”

“NO CLEAR WINNER”

With no party meeting the requirement of winning 133 seats, a simple majority, out of 265 National Assembly seats, the days ahead are likely to see political feuding and possible horse trading as the PML-N and the PPP — in their battle to hold sway over parliament where the most important decisions require a two-thirds majority — scramble to form alliances with independents and smaller parties. 

In his speech on Friday, Sharif said he had appointed his brother Shehbaz Sharif, also a former prime minister, to meet with leaders from other parties, including the PPP, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F, to discuss a coalition government. He did not name the PTI.

Though the temptation to jump Khan’s ship and join another party forming the government will be high and could make the independents a political wild card in the coming days, PTI-backed candidates have repeatedly said they will not join the mainstream parties but return into the fold of Khan’s party once it wins back its bat symbol, of which it was stripped ahead of the elections.

The party had lost its symbol because the election commission said it did not hold intra-party elections, a legal requirement to run in polls as a party, forcing all its candidates to run as independents, each with a distinct symbol. 




Supporters of Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif' party 'Pakistan Muslim League-N' celebrate their party victory in the initial results of the country's parliamentary election, in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AFP)

PTI’s Hassan told reporters on Friday new intra-party elections would be held within a fortnight. 

“We don’t expect this hop-chop sort of government to last very long,” PTI senior leader Zulfi Bukhari and close Khan aide told Arab News, speaking about a possible future coalition government led by the PML-N. 

“Whatever [government] they’re going to form, there will be disputes and fights among each other … So, it’s going to hold zero credibility with zero public support and meaning they won’t be able to take any meaningful decisions for the betterment of the country.”




Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party's chairman and barrister Gohar Ali Khan (L) waves to supporters after casting his ballot to vote during Pakistan's national elections, in Buner on February 8, 2024. (AFP)

“KEY CHALLENGES”

Meanwhile, a delay in the full release of official election results even 24 hours after polling closed has led to widespread concerns about rigging and raised questions about the credibility of the vote. The government has ascribed the delay to the suspension of mobile phone services, imposed as a security measure ahead of Thursday’s election, but opponents, especially the PTI, say it was done to manipulate counting. 

In the run-up to the polls, Khan’s PTI had complained of a widening crackdown against the party, including not being allowed to campaign freely. Khan himself was missing from Thursday’s vote as he has been in jail since August last year and is also disqualified from running for public office for ten years. 

The former premier, already jailed in one corruption case, was convicted in three back-to-back cases a week before the election and faces dozens of other legal challenges, including one case in which he is accused of ordering violent attacks on military installations on May 9, 2023, which could entail the death sentence. Khan says all the cases were politically motivated to sideline him and his party from elections.

Analysts have widely questioned the legitimacy of an election that Khan, arguably the country’s most popular politician, was not allowed to contest. And after the polls, they fear the absence of a clear winner could mean more uncertainty for a country where political temperatures have been excruciatingly high since Khan was ousted in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in April 2022. 

The country has also been grappling for months with a seemingly intractable economic crisis that has left millions disillusioned. 

The Pakistani economy is currently beset by record high inflation, falling foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating currency, low consumer confidence and slow growth caused by tough reforms carried out to meet the conditions of a last-gasp $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved last year. 

One of the key challenges for any new government will be negotiating a new bailout program with the IMF after the ongoing deal expires in three weeks. Another will be tackling rising militancy. 

The election season itself was particularly bloody, with several attacks on rallies, election offices and candidates in the last few weeks while 16 people were killed in violence on polling day itself.

But political analysts Tahir Naeem Malik urged calm and reconciliation between all political stakeholders.

“Election results necessitate political stakeholders to sit together and negotiate regarding the next set up,” he told Arab News. “It will be hard for the weak coalition government to initiate major economic reforms and fight the upsurge of militancy.”

But PML-N supporters outside Sharif’s Lahore office said they hoped he would be the “answer” to Pakistan’s problems, especially on the economic front. 

“I came here to see Nawaz Sharif with great happiness and excitement. God willing, Nawaz Sharif will come in government and he will give laptops to young people and make their future bright,” Mohibullah, who had traveled from the mountainous Gilgit region hundreds of miles away for a glimpse of his leader, told Arab News, as loud speakers blared PML-N anthems in the background and fireworks went off.

“All the young people who are leaving the country, god willing after Nawaz Sharif forms government, they won’t leave and will make a bright future here.”

Supporter Samra Nazeer, who volunteers as a coordinator for the party’s activities in Lahore, said she had personally observed in this election that “people love Nawaz Sharif.”

“Just like his last three tenures [as PM] when Pakistan was prospering,” she said, “for a fourth time also people have high hopes.”

Additional reporting by Aamir Saeed in Islamabad


Pakistan pledges to sustain economic gains after inflation hits six-year low

Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Pakistan pledges to sustain economic gains after inflation hits six-year low

  • Finance minister says economic progress made so far will serve as foundation for future successes
  • Consumer Price Index in Pakistan fell to 4.9 percent this month, marking its lowest level since Apr. 2018

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday vowed to maintain the country’s economic momentum after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 4.9 percent earlier this month, marking the lowest inflation rate since April 2018.
The pledge comes as Pakistan navigates a recovery from years of severe economic challenges, including soaring inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, currency depreciation and a persistent fiscal deficit.
In recent months, however, the country has witnessed a steady improvement in macroeconomic indicators, taking measures to restore investor confidence, as it undertakes structural reforms under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
“The Finance Minister expressed optimism that the progress made so far would serve as a foundation for future successes, as the government remains dedicated to building a prosperous and stable Pakistan,” the finance ministry said in a statement released after the Economic Coordination Committee’s (ECC) meeting.
The meeting evaluated on the overall economic situation of the country and particularly mentioned the improvement in CPI.
“The current CPI figure marks the lowest in the past 78 months, signaling a positive shift in the country’s inflationary trends,” the statement added. “The decline in CPI reflects the government’s success in managing inflationary pressures and restoring price stability, particularly for essential commodities.”
Aurangzeb assured the public the government would continue its efforts to support economic stability and strengthen key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure.
The ECC also discussed plans to pursue economic diversification and ensure better living standards for Pakistan’s population.


Saudi Arabia wants stronger parliamentary, economic ties with Pakistan, offers tech support

Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia wants stronger parliamentary, economic ties with Pakistan, offers tech support

  • Saudi Shura Council chairman meets Pakistani parliamentary leaders during his three-day visit
  • Speaker Ayaz Sadiq calls for closer bilateral cooperation amid changing global environment

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen parliamentary and economic ties with Pakistan and is keen to assist the National Assembly in the field of technology, the Kingdom’s Shura Council Chairman Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh said on Wednesday during his visit to Pakistan.
Dr. Al Sheikh is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, during which he has met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who described relations with the Kingdom as a “vital pillar” of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Both countries are longtime allies, with Islamabad seeking closer economic, defense and security ties with the Kingdom, which hosts approximately 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates and remains the largest source of remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian nation.
“Saudi Arabia aspires for a prosperous and developed Pakistan,” the Saudi official said according to an official statement circulated in Islamabad, following high-level meetings with Pakistan’s parliamentary leadership, including National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
During his meeting with Speaker Sadiq, both officials emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral parliamentary and economic relations.
Al Sheikh expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated the shared cultural, historical and religious ties between the two nations.
“The rapidly changing global environment demands closer bilateral cooperation,” Sadiq said, highlighting the significance of parliamentary exchanges and joint initiatives to further mutual interests.
Separately, the Saudi official met with Senate Chairman Gilani, where discussions focused on broadening institutional cooperation. Gilani lauded Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan and emphasized the importance of leveraging shared opportunities in trade, investment and defense.
“Saudi Arabia’s parliamentary delegation visit will mark a new milestone in our bilateral ties,” Gilani said, adding that both countries have always supported each other in times of need.
Al Sheikh reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to Pakistan, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share a deep bond of respect and mutual trust, which serves as the foundation for our robust partnership,” he said.
Gilani noted that strengthening economic collaboration and exploring investment opportunities were key to deepening ties further, while encouraging Saudi investors to actively explore ventures in Pakistan.
The meetings also covered joint efforts to promote unity among the Muslim Ummah and to enhance cooperation on global forums.


South Africa call up two uncapped fast bowlers for Pakistan Test series

Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

South Africa call up two uncapped fast bowlers for Pakistan Test series

  • South Africa will be in next year’s World Test Championship final if they win one Test against Pakistan
  • The Proteas are faced with serious depletion of bowling resources, with several injured players

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa named two uncapped fast bowlers in a 16-man squad for a two-match Test series against Pakistan starting in Centurion on December 26.
With an entire battery of fast bowlers unavailable, left-armer Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch were added to the team that beat Sri Lanka in Gqeberha this month.
Maphaka is an 18-year-old prodigy who has already been capped at Twenty20 international level while Bosch, the 30-year-old son of former Test fast bowler Tertius, has yet to play for the senior national team.
South Africa included all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and left-arm spin bowler Keshav Maharaj in the squad, but both selections are subject to fitness.
Mulder suffered a broken right middle finger in the first Test against Sri Lanka while Maharaj suffered what Cricket South Africa described as “an acute groin strain” while warming up for the first one-day international against Pakistan in Paarl on Tuesday.
Maharaj was due to have a scan on Wednesday to assess the severity of the injury.
Bosch, who has a first-class batting average above 40, could come into contention if Muller is unfit, while Senuran Muthusamy, also a left-armer, is the only other spin bowler in the squad if Maharaj is ruled out.
South Africa will be assured of a place in next year’s World Test Championship final if they win at least one Test against Pakistan — but their bowling resources have been seriously depleted.
Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams have all been sidelined. It will be a blow if Maharaj, South Africa’s premier spin bowler, cannot play.
“We head into this series with a clear focus, with a spot in the World Test Championship final being the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” South African coach Shukri Conrad said in a CSA statement.
Squad: Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne (wkt).
Fixtures:
December 26-30, Centurion
January 3-7, Cape Town


Pakistan receives 82,000 applications for government Hajj scheme this year

Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Pakistan receives 82,000 applications for government Hajj scheme this year

  • Religious Affairs Ministry says it may reopen applications in January to fill the remaining seats
  • Pakistan allowed intending pilgrims to pay Hajj fees in installments for the first time this year

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received 82,000 applications for next year’s Hajj pilgrimage under the government scheme, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Wednesday, adding that more applications may be invited in early January to fill any remaining seats.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025, divided equally between government and private schemes. The government extended the deadline for applications twice this month, first from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10, and then to Dec. 17, as it aimed to fill over 89,000 seats under the government scheme.
For the first time, the country’s Hajj policy, announced in November, also allowed pilgrims to pay in installments. Under the scheme, the first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) must be submitted with the application, the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) will be deposited within 10 days of balloting and the remaining amount will be paid by Feb. 10 next year.
“We have received 82,000 applications and have stopped accepting further submissions to facilitate the completion of the second installment process,” Muhammad Umer Butt, the ministry spokesperson, told Arab News, referring to the payment of expenses by pilgrims.
He said the second installment could be submitted at the same banks where applications were initially deposited, between Dec. 19 and Dec. 27.
“If any seats remain unfilled, we will reopen applications for a few days in the first week of January,” he said, adding that the ministry may also allocate leftover seats to the hardship quota, currently set at 1,000.
This quota is reserved for pilgrims with special needs or circumstances and attendants for individuals with disabilities.
The spokesperson said the government scheme witnessed about 12,000 to 13,000 more applications this year compared to 2023.
In 2024, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications, but the government hopes to fill all slots this time.
“This increase is due to the positive feedback from last year’s pilgrims regarding government facilities and the introduction of the installment option,” Butt said.
He informed the Pakistani Hajj mission has initiated its operations by starting the process of hiring services and accommodations in Saudi Arabia, adding the advance preparations would help determine the exact amount for the third and final installment, due in February.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application to guide pilgrims, available for both Android and iPhone users. The government has also announced a reduction in airfare, with ticket prices for federal program pilgrims reduced to Rs220,000, down from last year’s Rs234,000.
Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines and private carriers have agreed to transport pilgrims next year, according to the ministry.


Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree on player, umpire and coach exchange to boost cricket ties

Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree on player, umpire and coach exchange to boost cricket ties

  • PCB chairman assures support for the promotion of women’s cricket in the Kingdom
  • He invites Saudi sports minister to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy in February

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to establish an exchange program for players, umpires and coaches to enhance cricket ties and talent development between the two nations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.
The development was announced after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister of Sports Badr bin AbdulRehman Al-Qadi in Riyadh, during which he invited him to attend the ICC Champions Trophy and Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year.
Naqvi, who is also the interior minister, has been in the Kingdom since Sunday and has offered full cooperation for the promotion of cricket and the construction of stadiums in Saudi Arabia.
“The two leaders agreed to introduce an exchange program for players, umpires and coaches between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to foster talent development and knowledge sharing,” the PCB said in its statement.
Naqvi also assured support for the promotion of women’s cricket in the Kingdom.
“Pakistan stands ready to provide complete support for the growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia, including the promotion of women’s cricket,” he was quoted as saying during the meeting.
“With abundant talent in Pakistan and initiatives like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), we are eager to share our expertise with Saudi Arabia to help develop cricket in the Kingdom,” he added.
The Saudi deputy minister of sports thanked the PCB chairman for the invitations to the ICC Champions Trophy and the PSL while expressing enthusiasm for working closely with Pakistan to strengthen cricket ties between the two nations.
Naqvi also met Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation, earlier this week.
According to the PCB, there are about 18,000 cricket players in the Kingdom, which has also won the Asian Cricket Council Challenge Cup.